Museo delle Culture del Mondo (Museum of World Cultures), Genoa

The Museum of World Cultures, housed in the enchanting D’Albertis Castle, sits atop Montegalletto hill, offering breathtaking views over Genoa. Built between 1886 and 1892 by Captain Enrico Alberto d'Albertis-a passionate naval explorer and ethnologist-the castle is a blend of neo-Gothic and Hispano-Moorish styles, built upon medieval and 16th-century fortifications. Upon his death in 1932, the captain donated the castle and his extensive collection to the city. Since 2004, the site has operated as a museum dedicated to exploring and showcasing world cultures.

The museum journey begins in the richly decorated rooms-like the Colombian Room, Turkish Salon, Sundials Room, and the Captain’s own cabin-each inspired by the exotic cultures d’Albertis encountered on his voyages. From there, the visit extends into the restored 16th-century bastion, where ethnographic and archaeological collections from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas are displayed.

Among the museum’s highlights are extensive collections of weapons-such as Sudanese and Zambesi arms, Chinese lances, and European halberds-along with pre-Columbian artifacts from the Maya, ceremonial paraphernalia, and traditional garments from North American Plains tribes. A special section, the Museum of People’s Music, in partnership with Echo Art, presents instruments, sound installations, and multimedia performances from across the globe.